CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. () – Chatham County Commissioners voted to make urban camping illegal, calling it an improper use of public spaces on Friday.
This week, both the City of Savannah and Chatham County are evaluating ordinance amendments to control the usage of public spaces, focusing particularly on individuals sleeping and camping in those areas.
County Commissioners voted on Friday to approve the amendment for unincorporated Chatham, which rules it unlawful.
County representatives mentioned that they have held discussions with the city to tackle urban camping, and they believe both proposals align with each other.
However, in Savannah the amendment discussion sparked mixed reactions at city council’s first reading.
According to one resident, “enacting an ordinance, altering local laws to enable the displacement of unhoused individuals equates to criminalizing homelessness. Taking away their only form of shelter without offering a guaranteed solution is unjust.”
On the other side of the aisle, another resident voiced, “Your very thoughtful support of an encampment management policy, which, like this ordinance, focuses on connecting individuals to services and helping them get out of their homelessness situation.”
City officials said they strived to provide resources for the homeless population. In Mayor Johnson’s words, it’s time to strike a balance. He said they are dealing with significant issues with homeless neighbors, some of which are on the criminal side.
Alderman Detric Leggett said the city needs to balance business concerns and compassion.
“For us, being the district of hospitality and multiple businesses, we see on one end of that conversation; we see business owners and hotels who have individuals who will either lie down in front of their business and they have to find alternative methods to get people in and out,” he said. “And they’re losing funding because of those efforts and the quality of life of the businesses are one thing in question. Then we have a quality of life for the individuals who are asking for help.”
Savannah City Manager, Jay Melder said from a public safety perspective, the proposed amendment would give police a new tool in the toolbox to help protect public places.
However, Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan said it may not be the best solution.
“When you give a person a record, it makes it harder for them to get housing, at any rate,” she said. “So, yes, let’s do something about it. Let’s not criminalize it and let’s not make it illegal to lay up under the stars and rest in areas that you call home.”
